Are you wondering what to do with old jeans?
Are you wondering what to do with old jeans? Over time your favorite pair of denim jeans can fade or rip. Personally old blue jeans are one of my all-time favorite resources to craft with. They are so versatile, hard wearing and a readily available resource for craft projects. But before we start with my list of craft ideas for old jeans (I love upcycling) let me share a little bit of history about jeans (feel free to scroll down the page to craft ideas if you prefer).
A potted history of jeans
Jeans are a design of trousers generally made from denim or a dungaree cloth. The term “jeans” refers to a style of trouser invented by Jacob Davis in partnership with Levi Strauss in 1873. Originally created for miners and cowboys jeans became popular in the 1950’s amongst teenagers. Today they are one of the most popular type of trousers in Western culture. The cloth is sturdy, originally designed with a cotton warp and wool weft, although nowadays the weft is usually cotton too. Originally dyed with indigo jeans are now dyed with synthetic dye.
Prolonging the life of your favorite jeans
The first thought re what to do with old jeans is to see if their life as jeans can be extended. With the average blue jeans taking 919 gallons (3479 litres) of water during its life cycle from irrigating the cotton crop to manufacturing the jeans, to washing them as the consumer prolonging the life of your old jeans can only be good for the environment. Wearing a garment for an extra nine months can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30% (source Wrap).
There are many ways you can keep your jeans alive as jeans for a little longer, from a simple redying in your washing machine with a kit such as Dylon to replacing the zip. This is far easier than you anticipate, learn how to replace the zip and keep the original topstitching.
For torn jeans consider repairing with a visible or invisible repair. An invisible repair works well for the inner thigh area, whereas a knee you may wish to patch, personally, I love sashiko inspired repairs to jeans.
Alternatively, refashion them into a new garment, here are some quick ideas:- shorten them to create shorts, restyle to make a fitted jean skirt, a box pleated skirt or alter them to become skinny jeans.
Sewing jeans can be tricky. Its important to use a denim sewing machine needle and a long stitch. If your sewing machine is reluctant to sew denim check out my top tips for sewing denim video.
Craft ideas for old jeans
Are you wondering what to do with old jeans that are laying around in your closet? Check out these 25 ideas for crafting with your jeans.
How to make a Christmas Stocking
Use your old jeans and fabric scraps to make a stunning sashiko inspired stocking
How to make an advent calendar out of old jeans
Use old denim pockets to create a stunning advent calendar
DIY Denim Curtains - how to make lined curtains
These curtains are thick and warm, plus they are great for blocking out daylight - perfect for the bedroom or a draughty door.
Denim Upcycled Bedroom Chair
Never tried upholstery? Have a go with this written and video tutorial - update your chairs.
Denim Embroidery Hoop Art Tutorial
Love embroidery? Using just simple french knots and the free template create denim embroidery hoop art.
DIY Denim Box Bag - Box Bag Tutorial
Love box bags? These denim box bags are fully lined - video and written tutorial.
Recycled Denim Foot Pouf
Large square floor pouf - complete with pockets - perfect for your living room, or a child's bedroom.
How to make a Denim Floor Cushion
Make a large denim floor cushion, using bleach to create shibori like effects on the denim.
How to reupholster a dining room chair with denim pockets
If looking for something a simple first upholstery project then updating a dining room chair is the project for you.
Shibori Trend - DIY Denim Heart Pencil Case
Create denim pencil cases, complete with hand-embroidered applique hearts
How to make a large denim tote bag
This large denim tote uses a variety of fabrics to create a beautiful, roomy, bag.
Denim Peg Bag Pattern
My sister in laws peg bag flew away,t his bag is designed with a clip to remain securely fastened to your washing line.
Denim DIY Mini Stocking Advent Calendar, Reusable Advent Calendar
Make a fun stocking advent calendar using your old jeans
How to make Denim Christmas Decorations
Sew up some fun Christmas decorations using old jeans, add a touch of hand embroidery
How to make a doormat using old jeans
How to make a hardwearing doormat, repurposing denim pockets and waistbands. Includes video as well as written instructions.
How to make a Sashiko Denim Tote Bag
Use your denim scraps to create this beautiful, slow stitch, sashiko tote bag
Upcycled Denim Apron - DIY Gift
Denim aprons make great gifts for children, perfect for messy crafts, cooking or helping with DIY projects.
Easy DIY messenger bag - free denim bag pattern
Sew up a denim messenger bag complete with several zip pockets.
How to make a Denim Rag Quilt
Making a rag quilt is super easy, don't be intimidated - all you need is lots of old jeans.
Sashiko-Inspired Denim Tote Bag Pattern
This is a super cute small bag, the perfect size for all your essentials.
DIY Denim Mirror Frame, a perfect no sew old jeans craft project
Do you love using old jeans to craft? This no sew denim project makes the most of the seams from your old jeans
Feeling inspired by this fabulous collection of creative ideas for jeans? Wondering where to source old jeans?
Are you inspired by this wide range of craft ideas for your blue jeans? Do you need to source jeans to make your favorite craft idea? I am fortunate and regularly receive donations from work colleagues, school Mums, family members so spread the word you are on the lookout, all donations appreciated! But some projects take more than the odd pair, what then?
- A call out to friends and family can be lucrative
- If you use social media a quick post on Facebook generally results in a few donations.
- Jumble sales, car boots, yard sales can all be a cheap source of denim
- Charity shops/Thrift stores – it is worth asking if they have some jeans they cannot be put out for sale, do they have a rag bin you can rummage through?
